Larva (Ghost) – Rome

After the trip to Greece we were excited to set off for Rome. On Friday morning, we met on our magic school bus. We made sure to be there on time, we were aware that if we were tardy we would run the risk of not getting our work stamped. Personally, I want all the credit if I am going to be traveling in a questionably safe manner across the world.

Ambra, Victoria and I stowed away snacks from the Greek hotel to ensure that we would not have to endure any sort of hunger during out trip. As soon as everyone had been seated, Mrs. Hamilton closed the doors and off we went! About thirty seconds later, the doors opened with a “Wooosh.” (Please do not fret, the speedy transportation did impede on our use of snacks.)
Mrs. Hamilton explained our trip and our Roman buddy system. We would each be paired with an ancient Roman ghost. As unorthodox as it seemed, Mrs. Hamilton explained that it was perfectly safe.

My buddy’s name was Zeus. He made some joke about being a god and when I laughed, he said he would smite me. I’m not too sure what Mrs. Hamilton means by “safe.” After I had stopped crying, Zeus explained that our first destination was the Palatine Hill. This was the birth place of democracy. I thought it looked a great deal like a tall rock but maybe I did not SEE it quite right.

Our second location was the Forum. The Forum had served as the center of political, commercial, and judicial life in Ancient Rome. We visited the Curia which served as the Senate house. This is where senators voted and debated government related topics. In Rome, the legislative branch was broken up into a senate and two assemblies. The wealthy participated in the senate, in the Curia. On the way to our next destination, we visited the Forum Boarium which was the market place and the center of daily life. In the Forum, the Romans displayed their written laws on tablets, these tables were known as The Twelve Tablets.

Next, we visited the Coliseum. This is a grand structure that was built for entertainment purposes. I was surprised when Zeus told me that warriors rarely fought to the death. In fact, the fighters were usually criminals who would fight until injury, at which point they would be taken to the hospital. It was for these purposes that underground tunnels were built under the stage to access the jail, and hospitals.

Zeus informed me that our final destination was the Basilica Julia. The building was once magnificent but currently was in ruin aside from several pillars. Apparently, this was their courthouse where citizens viewed cases like we would watch a sports game. I did not think it sounded like anything I would WATCH but class was given the opportunity to act as judges in mock trials. It was interesting to see how chaotic their court system was and how similar the laws are to America’s.

After our tour, Zeus led me to our hotel. I was pleased to find out he was not staying. Zeus said his goodbyes and departed for “Mt. Olympus.”

Ancient Rome Contributions to Modern Democracy

The idea of a republic (when representatives are elected to make the decisions )

Three branches of government

Idea of veto

Legislative was divided (Senate and assemblies)

Natural law (idea that we are all born equal and must follow the laws)

They wrote down their laws so the people knew what they were and could follow them